Urgency of Now (RuON)

Urgency of Now, or RuON, takes place annually to address the concerns about increased violence among youth and young adults, with an emphasis on black males ages 15 – 24.

This event brings together key local and regional leaders in an effort to engage the community in dialogue, gain feedback and provide an opportunity to collaborate on action-oriented strategies for reducing violence.

The Urgency of Now is sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities, City of Newport News and Cities United. For more information about how to get involved or volunteer, contact Program Manager Synethia White, at swhite@hampton.gov or 757-727-2730.

March 13, 2018 - High school students in Hampton and Newport News were challenged to create a public service announcement of 60-seconds or less based on the theme “Don’t Sit in Silence, Stop the Violence.” Go online to watch the videos and cast your vote.

Feb. 16, 2018 - Urgency of Now, or RuON, an annual event that addresses concerns about increased violence among youth and young adults, will be held this year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, on Tuesday, March 20. Read on...

Feb. 12, 2018 - Can you or someone you know create a winning video against violence? “Don’t Sit in Silence, Stop the Violence” is the name of a contest for high school students in Hampton and Newport News that began Monday, Feb. 12. Read on...